With a countdown by little kids (and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker), some blasts from the Westport Fire Department’s trucks, and the flick of a switch, the Town Hall holiday tree was officially lit yesterday.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and her helpers.
The Staples High School Orphenians provided music. The Westport Museum for History & Culture added hot chocolate.
Choral director Lauren Pine leads the Staples Orphenians.
The ceremony was quick, fun — and cold.
The tree will shine brightly, throughout New Year’s.
The tree — and the fire trucks that salute it. (All photos/Dan Woog)
At the start of the ceremony, Westport poet laureate Donna Disch offered this special poem, called “Lights Up”:
We spar with darkness in December.
The day’s light fed and put to bed by four.
We resist with hymns and gingerbread,
wreathes and songs, Dancer, Prancer,
Cupid, Vixen and that soul who steers the sleigh.
Tonight we gather to sing and illuminate our living tree.
No chainsaw teeth, for us, nothing felled, hoisted or hauled.
We affirm the ever of living and green and spatter our spruce with stars.
And so our noble tree reminds us to trust the truth we know.
There is living. And there is loving.
And there is no more light than that.
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The Westport Human Services Department’s annual Holiday Giving Program is in full swing.
And it’s important.
The department is seeing more families in need. Parents are dealing with unemployment, underemployment, rising costs, and other stresses.
With multiple jobs and tight budgets, there is little or no money left over for gifts.
100% of donations go directly to families in need.
Click here for the “Family to Family Seasonal Holiday Giving Program,” or mail a check to Department of Human Services, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
Westport residents facing financial difficulties can contact Human Services for free, confidential consultation and assistance. Call 203-341-1050, or humansrv@westportct.gov.
Questions? Contact Annette D’Augelli: adaugelli@westportct.gov; 203-341-1183.
A little gift goes a long way.
Westporters will be out in force this weekend, buying Christmas trees and gifts.
But don’t forget holiday wreaths!
Scout Troop 36 is selling wreaths Saturday (December 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Sunday (December 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Saugatuck Congregational Church.
Wreaths are $30 and $45. Baked goods are also available.
Funds will help projects like the installation of Eastern bluebird houses and bat boxes at Earthplace. The troop also partners with Sustainable Westport each year, for a mattress recycling drive.
Troop 36 Scouts, and a few of their wreaths.
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As the story above shows, Westporters help neighbors.
They also help strangers — who have become friends — thousands of miles away.
Luca Caniato is a senior at Staples High School, and president of Il Circolo Italiano (the Italian Club). He writes:
“For many children in Rione Sanità, Naples, the holiday season doesn’t come with the joy and celebration it should. This year, we have the opportunity to bring a little extra Christmas magic into their lives.
“Centro La Tenda, a beacon of hope in this community, provides a safe haven for these children, offering them education, support, and the chance to dream beyond their circumstances. With your help, we’re raising funds to buy Christmas gifts for these children. It’s a simple but meaningful way to spread holiday cheer and show them they are cared for.
“Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward purchasing gifts that will bring smiles and joy to these kids.
“Let’s come together to create a Christmas full of hope, happiness and community for the children of Centro La Tenda. Thank you for your generosity, and for helping make the holidays a little brighter for those who need it most!”
Click here to donate.
Children at Centro La Tenda, in Naples.
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You may be tired of hearing “Jingle Bells” (and/or “Jingle Bell Rock”) everywhere you turn.
But the Westport Weston Family Y’MCA’s Jingle Bells Jamboree is well worth checking out.
The Saturday, December 14 family event (5:30 to 7 p.m.) includes ornament decorating, face painting, a bouncy house, and a bus ride/light show to the “North Pole” (Mahackeno Outdoor Center).
Once at Beck Lodge, children will meet Santa, explore his holiday workshop, enjoy free hot cocoa and snacks, and create a special ornament for display in the Y lobby.
A pizza truck will be on-site, serving food.
Tickets for the Jingle Bells Jamboree are $10 for Y members, $20 for non-members (admission is for children only; adults go free). Parents are required to accompany their children. Click here to purchase.
Jingle Bell Jamboree, at the Y.
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The curtain rises tonight on the Bedford Acting Group’s production of “Shrek: The Musical.”
The young actors and tech crew have worked hard on their comedic timing, beloved music, fun costumes, great puppetry and spectacular sets (with help from a “Saturday Night Live” designer).
the beloved fairytale to life with stunning performances, hilarious comedic timing, and unforgettable music.
Shows are tonight (Friday, 7 p.m.); tomorrow (Saturday, 3 and 7 p.m.), and Sunday (3 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and cast lists.
Bedford actors (from left): Maya Greenblatt, Beya Altman, Dylan Post, Genevive Watras, Maya Steigler, Olivia Wollowick.
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Ed Simek writes: “My was driving yesterday, when suddenly her ‘low tire pressure’ light went on.
“She drove to Fetzer Tire to have it checked out. The first question they asked was, ‘Have you been near Staples today?’
“We live next to the high school, so the answer was yes. Fetzer said that 7 cars pulled in already, with the same problem.
“Apparently a truck near the school spilled a box of 3-inch drywall screws all over the road.
“The guy at Fetzer pulled a screw out of our tire. One woman had 5 screws in her tires.
“I guess there’s not much we can do about it, except warn people. I’m sure there are still many screws lying in the road.”
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Johanna Keyser Rossi could not tell what kind of bird this was. It took off too quickly.
But it’s a good candidate for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature. If you know the name, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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And finally … in honor of the YMCA’s Jingle Bell Jamboree (story above), here is the song you hoped I wouldn’t post.
Fortunately, it’s not the ubiquitous Bobby Helms version. This is one you may not have heard.
Plus, it’s not the song you always hear from this group, either. Party on!
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for everything Westport-related. If you enjoy learning about our community — and don’t mind the occasional song like this — please click here. Thank you!)
